I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 142

Chapter 142

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Jing Rouyin, a renowned literary talent at the time, had a distant relationship with the royal family as her great-grandmother was a princess. Her family had held high positions in the court for several generations, boasting a background and status. However, the previous generation of her family had moved to Jiangnan for official duties, distancing their power and influence from the center of the capital. Consequently, few people in the capital knew her, and she had a limited social circle.

It was only when she was selected from among the candidates for the Crown Princess and brought to the capital that people learned about this extraordinary woman. Her outstanding performance in women’s gatherings, along with the release of her private paintings and poetry collections, established her fame.

If it weren’t for Yuan Ran’s incident, she would have been the Crown Princess, perhaps even the future Empress. She would have been the most prestigious woman in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Unfortunately, her luck took a turn for the worse. Shortly after arriving in the capital, Yuan Ran left, and soon after, trouble ensued.

Due to the distant location of the Jing family from the capital and the fact that Jing Rouyin was given in marriage, Yuan Ran’s incident didn’t bring any direct consequences to them. Empress Dowager, feeling pity for Jing Rouyin, informed the Emperor, who helped annul the marriage and granted her freedom.

However, Jing Rouyin didn’t immediately return to Jiangnan. Instead, she stayed by the Empress Dowager’s side for some time. Later, she inherited the position of Lady Yamo and managed the estate. During the times when Yamo Garden was closed, she rarely interacted with others, having very few friends. People only remembered her existence during the opening of the garden.

Being someone who was promised to the former Crown Prince, no one dared to marry her, even if they knew she was innocent and blameless. People would, at most, glance at her out of curiosity during the garden’s opening.

So, when Xu Wenze talked about her, there was a touch of sympathy. “Although I haven’t seen her in person, her writings and poems are truly not inferior to those of the candidates outside. Moreover, she is also a woman of deep emotions and character.”

As Xu Wenze spoke, he noticed Lin Qingyang’s somewhat strange expression. “What’s wrong?”

Lin Qingyang chuckled awkwardly. Just at that moment, someone pushed the door open.

“What are you guys talking about?” Qi Yan pushed the door directly. Xu Wenze wasn’t fond of gossip either, so he wanted to change the topic. However, with Qi Yan not closing his mouth, they realized their purpose was to check if there was a chance to meet Jing Rouyin tonight.

On the other side, Chu Lishu had already met with a Ministry of Rites official stationed here, named Yang Jin, approximately forty years old.

According to the general rules of promotion for imperial officials, Yang Jin had reached the pinnacle of his career at this position. In the eyes of outsiders, his slow ascent suggested a lack of capability, which was probably why he was assigned to such a marginal, arduous, and unrewarding task.

Taking care of this exam preparation site, even if done well, wouldn’t be considered a significant achievement. After all, this place didn’t entirely fall under the official duties of the government. However, if poorly managed, and in the unlikely event that someone from here made it to the top three in the imperial examination, they might file a complaint against him, causing trouble.

But this official seemed to have no complaints at all. He diligently worked here every day, arranging the rewards for outstanding articles designed to boost the examinees’ high spirits.

Earlier, when Qi Yan mentioned almost being driven crazy here, it was related to certain rules improvised by this official. As examinees needed to undergo continuous assessments for nine days, those with weak bodies couldn’t endure the pressure. Therefore, even before the examinees began their preparations, Yang Jin consciously guided everyone to exercise and adjust their sleep, preparing them adequately. However, such arrangements were a form of inhumane torment for playboys like Qi Yan.

When Chu Lishu entered, Yang Jin was still handling official documents. Upon seeing a young noble brought in, he set aside his work and looked up.

However, upon closer inspection, he was puzzled and said, “This young sir isn’t one of this year’s examinees, right?”

Clearly, he had some impressions of the examinees here and faces like Chu Lishu’s were impossible for him not to have seen.

Chu Lishu bowed, “Greetings, Lord Yang. I am Chu Lishu.”

Yang Jin was momentarily stunned, “The study companion of the Fourth Prince?”

Chu Lishu wasn’t surprised; intelligent people, even with low official positions, should understand the importance of controlling information.

Nowadays, the competition among the princes is intense. If this person can’t even figure out who is around the princes, wouldn’t it be a letdown to Chu Lishu’s judgment?

Yang Jin quickly regained composure, “I’ve read your writings, and they are very well-written. Compared to the level of the examinees here, if you were to participate in the imperial examination, you would undoubtedly rank among the top three. However, since you are already a study companion, it seems you don’t need to take the imperial examination. I’ve seen a few study companions before, but they didn’t come to see me. Young Master Chu, your visit is not for the sake of those writing tools, is it?”

Chu Lishu didn’t beat around the bush. After scanning the study, he smiled and said, “Lord Yang, are you currently investigating something?”

Yang Jin’s expression subtly changed, “What do you mean? I’ve been taking care of the examinees preparing for the examination in the Yamo Garden.”

“So, you mean the matter you’re investigating is related to the examinees preparing for the examination?” Chu Lishu’s smile remained unchanged, and coupled with his stunning face, he truly appeared harmless.

However, Yang Jin couldn’t help but feel suspicious. Could it be that his actions have been discovered by the Fourth Prince’s faction? Are they sending someone to find him for a specific purpose? Could it be that the Fourth Prince’s faction is also seeking benefits in this matter?

Yang Jin maintained composure and said, “Young Master Chu, I really don’t know what you’re talking about. If you don’t want the reward and have no other business, please leave. I still have a lot of work to handle. I really don’t have time to entertain.”

“Lord Yang, aren’t you investigating the cheating case in the imperial examination?” Chu Lishu directly hit the nail on the head, and Yang Jin’s expression changed drastically.

“Young Master, baseless accusations are not acceptable. Even if you are from the Fourth Prince’s faction, you can’t make such statements. Cheating in the imperial examination is the most serious accusation against us officials from the Ministry of Rites.”

Chu Lishu didn’t care about Yang Jin’s reaction and continued speaking unabated, “The examination questions will only be sent from the palace tomorrow, but the deal has already been negotiated. The seller is naturally an official from the Ministry of Rites. Yang Master probably knows better than us outsiders who these people are. The buyer is some influential sons and daughters here, and the people helping with cheating and answering the questions are some of the tutors who were invited back to help with explanations. It’s a complete transaction. I suspect that when the garden closes tomorrow, those tutors will be very busy. After all, providing answers to a buyer, if the business is good, will take a considerable amount of effort.”

After Chu Lishu finished speaking, Yang Jin’s face turned pale. All his efforts in investigating and speculating were laid out before the person in front of him, matching what was said almost perfectly.

“Do you know… Prime Minister Li is going to handle…”

“It has nothing to do with Prime Minister Li. I privately decided to get involved in this matter. I… came to save your life.” Chu Lishu slowly explained, and the gaze he cast on Yang Jin carried a certain momentum, making Yang Jin inexplicably feel a desire to comply.

Chu Lishu spent an hour resolving Yang Jin’s situation and then walked out of the study holding writing materials. This way, everyone would assume that he had come to collect his reward.

Walking to a secluded place, a voice almost condensed into a thread came, “Young Master, Lin Qingyang is here.”

Chu Lishu was taken aback, furrowing his brows slightly, murmuring, “He can’t even stay quiet while nursing an injury. Could it be that he knows I’m here?”

“It’s not that. It seems that he came with Qi Yan to join in the fun. At the entrance, they coincidentally met Xu Wenze, and after seeing your writing, they probably figured out that you’re here. Afterward, the three of them went to the compartment together. I couldn’t hear anything inside.”

Chu Lishu furrowed his brows slightly and turned to walk toward the compartment specially arranged for the candidates.

Just around a corner, Chu Lishu bumped into someone. He didn’t react much, but the other person was startled.

“Chu Lishu, what are you doing here?” Cheng Yi looked a bit flustered.

“Coming to exchange ideas with the scholars.” Chu Lishu said casually.

Cheng Yi immediately sneered, “Cut it out. I think you’re here to find useful talents for the Fourth Prince.”

Chu Lishu smiled without saying much.

Cheng Yi seemed a bit impatient and waved his hand, saying, “Just disappear, looking at you annoys me.”

Although Cheng Yi’s words were still unkind, it made Chu Lishu somewhat puzzled.

Originally, hearing that Cheng Yi often frequented this place was quite unbelievable for Chu Lishu.

Cheng Yi was clearly injured too, and Lin Qingyang had been cautious in the past few days, not daring to move around recklessly while recuperating. Cheng Yi, who was afraid of pain, couldn’t possibly leave the residence to come here. It was also unlikely that Yuan Ye would treat him so harshly. Now, what puzzled Chu Lishu even more was why, in a situation where he was clearly alone, Cheng Yi would let him go so easily. According to Cheng Yi’s character, not causing trouble for him seemed abnormal.

After leaving Cheng Yi’s sight, Chu Lishu immediately spoke, “Keep an eye on him.”

A gust of wind swept through the air, and Chu Lishu continued walking forward.

As he reached the area where the examinees were gathered, he heard intense arguments.

Chu Lishu wasn’t initially concerned, but he suddenly caught his former name being mentioned, which was quite unexpected. It seemed there were still people daring enough to openly speak his name. These must be some students with ‘dignity and arrogance.’

A young student, standing proudly on a rockery with hands on his hips, declared, “We, as students pursuing knowledge and morality, should firmly resist people like him who have no sense of right and wrong. It’s only been a few years, and have you all forgotten the shame our Great Zhou endured back then? There are still people speaking up for him. Aren’t they afraid of chilling the hearts of people throughout the world?”

This person took the lead, and the surrounding crowd immediately joined in the condemnation.

The person being criticized appeared to be older, visibly angered and gasping for breath. He seemed to have taken the exams for several sessions. Some familiar faces around him were supporting and consoling him.

“He didn’t mean that at all. When did he speak up for that person? He just praised the good renovation of the Yamo Garden.”

“Isn’t that still speaking up for Yuan Ran?” The student who was scolding pointed accusingly, making a beckoning gesture to invite others to judge, “Everyone knows that Yuan Ran was in charge of the renovation here. By praising it, isn’t he speaking well of Yuan Ran? What disasters did Yuan Ran bring to us? Have you all forgotten those tragic histories? You, who are wholeheartedly supporting him, aren’t you aiming at the current Emperor?”

With this accusation, those who intended to speak up for the older student dared not say a word.

The older student was almost infuriated to the point of spitting blood. “The last time I came was several years ago. At that time, this place was just an ordinary courtyard, with simple layouts for the compartments. Although we had sheltered for reading to avoid wind and rain, it was not very convenient. This time, I found that everyone’s compartments were arranged like an imperial academy, and the soundproofing was done to perfection, making it convenient for all of us. Why can’t I speak a fair word? Moreover, this kind of thing, only you scholars from the capital know about it. I come from the south, how would I know who did it? Don’t slander me.”

“I think you’re just being evasive. You’ve been here for so long, and no one has told you about it?” The young student seemed determined to label the older student as such to showcase his own moral virtues.

The older student was not naive. At this point, he directly shouted, “Who dares to mention that person? I didn’t know before, but now I do. I disdain staying in a place modified by that person, disturbing the tranquility of my studies. I’m moving out. As for you, you act as if you don’t want to be associated with that person at all, yet you still have the audacity to enjoy the benefits of this place. You should move out with me!”

With these words, everyone was dumbfounded. The young student also blushed a bit and argued, “Yamo Garden was created by the number one talent of that era. We shouldn’t blame Yamo Garden just because it was once tainted by Yuan Ran. We need to distinguish between right and wrong. Anyway, I won’t be like you, speaking well of that kind of person!”

“You…if you want to add accusations, I can’t be bothered to argue with you!” After saying this, the older student turned and walked away.

The young student laughed as if he had won a victory. “I think he’s feeling guilty. We should actively combat those who speak well of Yuan Ran. Otherwise, some trends might resurface and taint our pure hearts. If someone with malicious intent sees it, they might think I’m in cahoots with him!”

The people around had different expressions, and not everyone agreed with the young man, but on the surface, they all echoed his views, criticizing the flaws in the reconstruction here.

Standing outside the crowd, Chu Lishu observed coldly, his heart like ice, as if he had become accustomed to it. He had forgotten how he had drawn the plans for the transformation here, merely thinking indifferently that he should burn this place down in the future.

His thoughts were a bit elusive, and he needed to find Lin Qingyang.

The young student continued to stand on the artificial mountain, pontificating with high-sounding words.

At that moment, as if bumped by someone, the young student screamed and fell backward. Behind the artificial mountain was a small pool, quite shallow. Although he wouldn’t be submerged, the impact made him hit the pool’s bottom hard. The student cried out in pain repeatedly, clearly not taking the fall lightly.

Chu Lishu was also taken aback by the commotion. Focusing his gaze, he saw the crowd dispersing as if afraid of trouble, revealing the situation behind the artificial mountain.

A figure in a green robe squatted by the edge of the pool, not reaching out to help. An anxious expression appeared on their face as they said, “Oh, my, I was in a hurry and didn’t watch the road. Why were you standing on the artificial mountain? It’s not a stable place to stand. Do you think you’re a crowing rooster? Oh no, I should apologize. But a person has urgent needs. I can’t hold it any longer. I’ll leave first! Find me later if you need something!”

After saying this, he brushed aside the crowd, rushing directly toward Chu Lishu, who stood there in a daze. Chu Lishu watched him with a blank expression, observing the cheerful demeanor, the fluttering eyebrows, and the running figure that seemed to bring a warm breeze. Just as Chu Lishu was about to speak, he heard the person shout, “Quick, move aside!”

With that, as if a prank had succeeded, he grabbed Chu Lishu’s hand and sprinted in another direction.

Behind them, only the victim’s cries and the belated exclamations of the onlookers remained.

Chu Lishu looked at the hand tightly held by the person in front and the figure running ahead, feeling a bit dazed. It wasn’t until the person in front couldn’t control their laughter, subsequently stopping to catch their breath, that Chu Lishu seemed to snap out of it. Then he heard the person gasping for air, releasing the hand they had grabbed, appearing somewhat awkward as if attempting to touch his buttocks but realizing it was an open environment, they had to drop their hand, standing in a bizarre pose for a few seconds before attempting to awkwardly turn around.

Suddenly, Chu Lishu took a step forward and directly embraced the person from behind.

“Cousin?” Lin Qingyang was taken aback.

“Don’t move. The intense running must have strained your injuries. I’ll support you. Stay still for a while; once the pain subsides, it will be better.”

Although Chu Lishu was not as tall as Lin Qingyang, the difference was not significant. So, when he spoke, his breath almost brushed against Lin Qingyang’s sensitive nape, causing Lin Qingyang to involuntarily shiver.

“But…”

“Don’t move.” Just let me hold you for a while.

Lin Qingyang originally wanted to argue a bit, like, are you supporting me or are you hugging me? It’s getting a bit too “gay,” you’re completely losing the male lead’s dignity.

But listening to Chu Lishu’s slightly deep voice, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help feeling a pang of sadness.

In fact, he understood. This was somewhat of a plea for comfort from Chu Lishu. Chu Lishu didn’t want to reveal his sadness, so he had to find such an excuse. Lin Qingyang naturally pretended not to know that he was seeking comfort. To save the male lead from embarrassment, Lin Qingyang smiled awkwardly and said, “Oh, my injury is really troublesome. I can’t stand properly now. Thanks for your help, cousin.”

Chu Lishu behind him softened his expression, couldn’t help but hold him tighter, and all the unpleasantness from before dissipated. All that remained was the warmth of the person in his arms, like a comforting sunshine. Seeking comfort? Chu Lishu had long transcended the point where such things could affect his inner self. But seeing Lin Qingyang defend ‘Yuan Ran,’ he couldn’t help but feel moved.

But more than anything else… not seeing him for a day, he missed him. Just using the excuse of a slightly emotional moment to hold him, it seemed like a good opportunity.

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